Narcolepsy is a debilitating condition characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day. In other words, REM sleep involuntarily takes over both the brain and the body without warning. These episodes or 'sleep attacks' usually last between just a few seconds or a number of minutes long. This is an under recognised and under diagnosed condition, which is the focus of much medical research.
People who suffer from narcolepsy often also experience episodes of cataplexy, where emotional triggers such as laughing, joking, surprise, fear or anger causes a dramatic reduction in muscle tone and the sufferer falls unconscious. Symptoms - excessive day time sleepiness - cataplexy - frequent episodes of sleep paralysis - hallucinations The condition is life long, with symptoms beginning in early childhood, approximately age 5 - 10 years. Symptoms can occur later in life. Treatment Although narcolepsy cannot be cured, excessive sleepiness can be helped considerably with medications. Treatment for narcolepsy usually involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Top Tips for Narcoleptics - Wear a medical bracelet to identify your medical condition - Ensure a regular sleep schedule - Notify family, friends and employers of your condition - Schedule several short naps each day (10 - 15 minutes) to improve alertness and reduce the likelihood of 'sleep attacks' during activities - Avoid sleep depreviation (E.g. late nights out or shift work) - Avoid jobs/activities that involve operating heavy machinery or excessive driving - For severe cases, have someone with you who is aware of your condition when you are in public places If you suffer from narcolepsy or experience symptoms similar to this, we'd love to hear from you. Comment below with any questions, stories or thoughts you'd like to share.
2 Comments
14/11/2019 09:16:06 am
Can I get one of y'all med. Tags for free . I have very little income . but I suffer from narcolepsy/ cataplexy. Ian 59 yrs old and just being digonased. It is servere . everyday right now 3 to 4 times until they can find a med. To work thank you
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